Nearly 30% of animals going to see the vet will leave with a prescription for antibiotics. They can treat a whole range of common conditions – ranging from skin, urinary tract, respiratory and dental infections through to wounds, bites and abscesses.
Antibiotics can be unfairly framed as ‘bad’, but they truly are an essential part of the vet’s toolkit. Not only do they help pets-in-pain feel better, they also prevent minor issues from ballooning into emergencies. In some cases, antibiotics are literal life-savers.
We should add that veterinarians take them very seriously, and that’s because misuse or overuse can contribute to antibiotic resistance. They’re only prescribed when they’re truly indicated, and aren’t used to treat viral or inflammatory issues.
Demystifying antibiotics
Most pets and humans have probably taken antibiotics at one point or another, but that doesn’t mean their mechanism is widely understood. So let’s introduce you to lifelong rivals bacteria and antibiotics:
Bacteria
It’s easy to forget that these tiny, living organisms are present everywhere, all the time – and usually without causing any problems. It’s when they invade wounds, ears, skin, the bladder or the lungs that they cause issues by multiplying and provoking inflammation, pain and illness.
Antibiotics
They’re not interested in healthy cells or viruses, but they are ready to get the bacteria back in line by stopping them from multiplying. The downside is that they don’t differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, which means both are killed off in a course of antibiotics.
Supporting your pet’s microbiome recovery
Ideally, after a course of antibiotics your pet is free of the harmful bacteria that were causing problems in the first place. Unfortunately, those same antibiotics have probably also disturbed the beneficial gut-dwelling bacteria that are so important to your pet’s general wellbeing (read more about that here).
As a result, you might notice your pet isn’t feeling 100%. Their appetite and digestion might be off, and they could be a bit low energy. You can help restore the healthy bacterial community that dwells in your pet’s gut and get them back to their usual lively selves a few ways (and you can start these during the course of antibiotics, or after they’ve finished).
- Swap to easily digestible meals
Antibiotics can be hard on your pet’s digestion, leaving them gassy or with an upset stomach and softer stools. Keep an eye on stool quality and appetite, and switch to a more digestible meal for a few days after they’ve finished the course to set them back on track. - Hydration, hydration, hydration
Keeping your pet hydrated is just good Pet Loyalist behavior (particularly for those bladder issue-prone cats), but it’s a great way to support their ongoing antibiotic recovery as well. -
Add in a microbiome supplement
This can help their body settle back into its normal rhythm by promoting smoother microbiome recovery, and encouraging healthy bacteria to rebuild. Prebiotics are particularly beneficial, as they act as food for remaining beneficial microbes – helping them stay strong. WellJoy™ Immune+ Supplements for Cats and also for Dogs can help reinforce your pet's natural immune defenses, while simultaneously supporting gut health, thanks to our GutBoost® biotic blend.
A quick antibiotics FAQ for Pet Loyalists
Helping your pet recover from an infection and keeping their microbiome thriving is a lot for Pet Loyalists to consider. So we wanted to finish with some guidance around the most common antibiotic-related questions.
“Is it normal for my pet to have soft stool while on antibiotics?”
Absolutely normal, and a common side effect. This doesn’t mean the medication is hurting your pet, or that the infection is getting worse.
“Can I stop the antibiotics early if my pet seems better?”
Finishing the full course is always necessary. It’s absolutely critical for your pet – as well as the wider issue of antibiotic resistance – to use the medication completely and as directed.
“What if the antibiotics don’t seem to be helping?”
Things like skin and ear infections can take longer to see results, but we recommend worried Pet Loyalists talk to their vet if they’re concerned.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.